Peregrine digs deep in Latin America

Peregrine Adventures’ new Latin America programme for 2009 includes a spectacular 34-day journey around the South American continent, from Quito in Ecuador to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, via Peru, Chile and Argentina. Peregrine’s local leaders ensure you’ll see all the best bits and much more – they’ll point you in the right direction whether you’re after the best Pisco Sours in town, or you want to Tango till dawn - it’s their home after all!

For those who really want to push the boat out, why not combine the tour with a 10-day Galapagos in Depth cruise, for the ultimate South American exploration?

South America in Depth: 34-days departing Quito 14th July (later dates also available).

Let Peregrine’s local leaders show you around their home, during an extraordinary journey commencing on the Equator in Quito, Ecuador. Kick off with a tour of the old city and a visit to the Equator line at Mitad del Mundo. Continue to the Amazon lowlands for a jungle stay, then head for the hills and the small mountain village of Banos.

Here there’s time for some great optional outdoor activities before moving south to Cuenca and the Ingapirca Inca ruins, the most important Inca site in Ecuador. Crossing into Peru, fly from Tumbes to Lima, with time to soak up the colonial atmosphere of the city.

Next, Cusco, the centre of the Inca Empire and gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. At Lake Titicaca, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, travellers visit the Uros Indians’ floating islands and the ancient burial chamber at Sillastani, en route to the lofty heights of La Paz.

The Chilean capital of Santiago is next, home to some of the country’s most famous wineries, and further south the beautiful 'Lakes District' provides some of the most stunning mountain and lake scenery in South America. Peregrine travels the 'Lakes Crossing' by boat and bus from Chile to Argentina, before arriving in the popular ski resort of Bariloche, set on the shores of Nahuel Harpi Lake.

Transfer to lively Buenos Aires and join the 11 million portenos (the inhabitants of Buenos Aires) – spend two full days here soaking up the city’s Latin vibe. At the border with Brazil, discover the magnificent Iguazu Falls, 20 metres higher than Niagara and without the tacky commercialism. Round the adventure off in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s holiday capital, with stunning beaches, towering mountains and its iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer.

The holiday costs £3,370 p/p including arrival transfer, Peregrine’s local tour leader in each country visited, local guides, sightseeing, all transportation, all accommodation, all breakfasts and some lunches/dinners plus entrance fees to parks/reserves/sights as per itinerary.

Flights from the UK and flights within South America are not included in this price but can be arranged through Peregrine Adventures.

Galpagos in Depth: 10-days departing Quito on selected dates throughout 2008 & 09.

All aboard the Peregrine Endeavour, accommodating just 16 passengers in eight cabins, for the ultimate Galapagos adventure, designed to showcase the remarkable flora and fauna that makes this World Heritage archipelago unique. Due to the extreme isolation of the islands, nearly a quarter of all wildlife is endemic. Wildlife explorations reveal giant Galapagos tortoises, land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, dolphins, whales and blue-footed, red-footed and masked boobies alongside pelicans and frigate birds.

The tour costs from £1,775 p/p plus US$100 Galapagos NP fee paid locally, including an experienced English-speaking naturalist, return Quito-Baltra flights, accommodation, arrival transfer, cruise transfers, 7-night cruise, most meals and activities.

For more information, log on to Peregrineadventures.co.uk.